TA School

Symmetrical Triangle

Learn to trade the coiling consolidation pattern characterized by converging support and resistance trendlines.

intermediate level10 min read

Interactive Model

Interactive Visual Walkthrough

Symmetrical Triangle Continuation

Step 1 of 4
Converging Ranges

Price oscillates in a tightening coil, printing lower highs ($115, $110, $106) and higher lows ($95, $100, $103).

Why it matters: This indicates that both buyers and sellers are struggling for dominance, compressing volatility into a narrow range.

What is a Symmetrical Triangle?

The Symmetrical Triangle is a classic chart pattern that represents a period of coiling consolidation. Unlike ascending or descending triangles, it features two symmetrically converging trendlines: a falling resistanceResistanceA price level where selling pressure is strong enough to prevent the price from rising further. It represents a "ceiling" on the chart.Read full glossary entry → line and a rising supportSupportA price level where buying pressure is strong enough to prevent the price from falling further. It represents a "floor" on the chart.Read full glossary entry → line.

It represents a temporary equilibrium between buyers and sellers before a sharp breakoutBreakoutA price movement through an established support or resistance level. A breakout is often accompanied by increased volume, signaling strong momentum.Read full glossary entry → occurs.

Pattern Structure

The structure is defined by:

  1. Falling ResistanceResistanceA price level where selling pressure is strong enough to prevent the price from rising further. It represents a "ceiling" on the chart.Read full glossary entry → Line: A descending trendlineTrendlineA bounding line drawn across a chart to connect swing lows in an uptrend or swing highs in a downtrend, acting as dynamic support or resistance.Read full glossary entry → connecting two or more lower highs.
  2. Rising SupportSupportA price level where buying pressure is strong enough to prevent the price from falling further. It represents a "floor" on the chart.Read full glossary entry → Line: An ascending trendlineTrendlineA bounding line drawn across a chart to connect swing lows in an uptrend or swing highs in a downtrend, acting as dynamic support or resistance.Read full glossary entry → connecting two or more higher lows.
  3. ** Apex:** The intersection point of the two converging lines.

Psychology Behind the Pattern

  • Balanced Struggle: Neither buyers nor sellers can establish dominance. Buyers buy earlier on pullbacks, while sellers sell earlier on bounces.
  • Volatility Squeeze: The price range narrows as it moves towards the apex. This compression of volatility represents coiling energy.
  • The Squeeze Release: Eventually, the price breaks out of the boundaries, triggering stops and launching a new trending wave.

Identification Rules

  • Prior TrendTrendThe general direction in which a security or market is moving over time.Read full glossary entry →: A strong prior trendTrendThe general direction in which a security or market is moving over time.Read full glossary entry → should exist before the consolidation.
  • Converging Touches: Must have at least two lower highs and two higher lows.
  • VolumeVolumeThe total number of shares, contracts, or units of a security traded during a specified time period.Read full glossary entry →: VolumeVolumeThe total number of shares, contracts, or units of a security traded during a specified time period.Read full glossary entry → typically contracts during consolidation and expands during the breakoutBreakoutA price movement through an established support or resistance level. A breakout is often accompanied by increased volume, signaling strong momentum.Read full glossary entry →.

Trading Setup

  • Entry: Buy or sell short when a candle closes outside the triangle's boundaries (in the direction of the breakout).
  • Stop-Loss: Place the stop-loss orderStop-Loss OrderAn order placed with a broker to sell an asset when it reaches a specific price, designed to limit a trader's loss on a position.Read full glossary entry → just inside the opposite trendline or below the last minor swing low/high.
  • Target: Measure the height of the pattern's base (the widest part) and project it from the breakout point.

Key Takeaways

  • •The Symmetrical Triangle is a continuation pattern showing a period of coiling consolidation.
  • •It is defined by converging trendlines: a falling resistance line and a rising support line.
  • •It signals that buyers and sellers are in a temporary equilibrium, with volatility compressing.
  • •A breakout in the direction of the prior trend is the most common outcome, confirmed on a daily close.
  • •The target is calculated by measuring the base height of the triangle and projecting it from the breakout.
Knowledge CheckQuestion 1 of 5

What distinguishes a Symmetrical Triangle from an Ascending Triangle?

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